Indicator for water-cooled engines



[by 14, 1929. T. VEITCH 11713,!07

INDICATOR FOR WATER COOLED ENGINES Filed Sept. 23, 1923 FIB .1- I I awoi Patente'd May 14, 1929.

UNITED I STATES THOMAS vnireii, or BninLLE, new JERSEY.

INDICATOR FOR WATER-(100L131) NGINES;

Application filed September 28, 1923. Serial No. 685,500.

The present invention relates toapp'liances for use with cooling systems of interi'i'al coinbustion engines, and is moreparticularly directed toward a device which may be used in connection with the radiator of an ordinary water cooled automobile engine for the purpose of indicating the condition of the cooling water, both as to temperature and quantity, or level. I

Internal combustion engines, such as are now in general use in automobiles, differ from other types of power units, in that the power is produced in the cylinders by'the explosion of a gaseous mixture. These explosions, following each other with great rapidity, generate a high degree of heat, so high in fact that, if means were'not prov ded (in addition to properlubrication) for dissipating a considerable portion of it, the eng ne parts WOUlClbB soon destroyed. Cooling means are therefore universally en'iployed for the purpose, the one most generally used being a water system. This consists in surroui'ufling the engine cylinders with a water jacket connected at the top and bottom to a radiator having a large exposed cooling surface, the, arrangement being such that the water is continually passed througlithe jacket and radiator by means of a pump, gravity, or other suitable means.

\Vhile cooling means are necessary, it is nevertheless desirable that the engine be operated at a substantially constant tempera ture,and this temperature should bo as high as is reasonably safe. Suchiengines, being heat engines, operate most elliciently at a relatively high temperature; and, ifthis critical temperature maintained, a inanimum efficiency will sult. The design of water cooling systems for engines is based upon the ci rculation of a predetermined quantity of water in-the system so that the water may properly circulate through the cylinder jacket and the cooling section of the ra di ator. unable to carry the heataway from the engine, and is unable'to fill the cooling section. It is therefore only partly cooled, andengine temperature n'ray rapidly rise to a dangerous degree.

.As the operation of the cooling system can not be directly observed by the driver, and

as it is subject to wide temperature variation and to leakage or volatilization of cooling water, it desirable that suitable instruinentalities be provided so lie cancon- An insufficient supply of water is stantly be informed of the condition with a minlmum of effort. like, a convenient location for an instrument for these purposes is on the radiator cap, and

instriunents heretofore developed have been designed to indicate one or the other of these conditions in a more or less satisfactory manner.

These temperature indicating instruments consist usually of an ordinary thermometer mounted upon the radiator cap of an automobile, the tl-iermometer having a comparatively short stem,-and the bulb, therefore, be

ing normally disposed above the surface of the water in the radiator. As the-air space above the water level is always somewhat cooler than the temperature of the water in In automobiles, and the the radiator, instrui-nents of this character willshow a more pronounced rise or reading when the temperature of the cooling system rises from safe to rlangerousconditions,- that is, if the water in the top of the radiator is at 200 .l h, which a safe operating temperature, the air space in which the bulb of the thermometer is located may be only 180 F. in the summer time and'but 150 F. or 160 F. in cold weather. the thermometer will normally indicate, but,

should the temperature of the water rise sufticiently to cause steam to be formed, this steam will fill the air space and affect the thermometer bulb, producing a rapid and "corresponding rise in the indication. This construction and method of operation have their advantag", but such instruments are primarilyuseful forindicating abnormal. conditionsonly, It is however desirable that the driver of a car should at'alltimes know what the water temperature is, and it is applicants object to provide an instrumentthat the user can rel upon for obtaining a subaccurate ind cation under all 0 perstantially ating conditions.

My present invention contemplates an improved formof instrument for the purpose specified, and possesses many advantages not heretofore obtained.

curate indicationof the water temperatures of'an automobile engine cooling system, but,

in addition, indicates, under all normal conditions, the exact an'iount or level of the water in'the radiator. Not only this, it combines in a single instrument both of these advan- This temperature 7 The instrument herein described and claimed not only gives anacpossesses many advantages an d desirable fea- Fig. 2 is a sectiontaken on the line 2-2 F l, in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line 33 or Fig. l in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4; is a developed view showing a iiorm of indicator element;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the parts shown in Fig. 1, the indicator being in a different position; and

Fig. 6 is a view ol the external part of the appliance showing a modification.

An ordinary automobile radiator is illustrated at A in Fig. 1. It has a cooling section 10 of any type, an upper tank 11, adapted to receive the hot water from the engine, and a filling spout or neck 12 threaded at 13 in the customary manner. For proper operating conditions of the automobile engine, this tank should be maintained partly full of water so that the hot water may spread to the entire length of the tank and flow through the cooling section. A suitable water level is indicated in the drawing in the conventional manner. V

The indicating instrument is adapted to be mounted upon the ordinary radiator cap it which cooperates with the threads '13 of the filling spout 12. The cap 14 is provided with a centrally arranged aperture 15 through wliich is passed an upright-axially disposed tubular member 16. This tubular iii-ember may be fastened to the cap member in any convenient manner. It is here shown as pro.

vided with threads 17 for a nut 18 which is adapted to be threadcid againsta washer 1.9 hearing against the lower surface 20 ot' the cap 14, the member 16 being provided with a shoulder 21 to abut the upper surface of the cap l l.

The tubular member 16 extends downwardly so that the, lower end 22 is adjacent the cooling section 10, and provides a housing and guiding means for the operating mechanism included therein. This tubular member is here shown as being provided with oppositely disposed fins23 and 2-l to act as guides for the movaliile indicator mechanism. The lower end of the tubular member 22 is perforated shown at 25 or may be provided cap 14 so that the water level inside'the' tube will be the same as that in the top tank of the radiator. Making the tubular member substantially closed prevents dirt, scale or other matter from interfering with the operation of the mechanism inside the tube.

A cross member 27, disposed inside the tubular member 16, has bifurcated ends 28 and 29 which ride along the fins 23 and This cross member carries a float 30 which is suitably fastened to it as by means of a hollow rivet 31. The cross member is provided (see Fig. i) with a laterally extending arm 32 to which is attached the outer end of a spirally coiled bimetallic thermostatic member 3 1-. The other end 35 of this thermostatic member is attached to the lower end of a slender rod 36 which passes upwardly thru the hollow rivet 3l shown. This thermostatic member will be submerged in the water, if present, and therefore will be able to accurately operate the indicator mechanism and show water temperature.

The member 16 is provided in some convenient location (here shown as adjacent outside flange v21) with an inwardly directed tlange3'7. VJ bile it is here shown as integral, it may be, it desired, a separate pie-c This flange 37 acts to close oil the tubular member so as to prevent water vapor from escaping in substantial quantities into the upper part of the member. l t is provided with a centrally disposed tubular guide member 38 which surrounds the stem 36. The lower end ol this member 38 may conveniently act as a stop, limiting upward movement of the float.

The upper part of the central member 16 is shaped to provide a housing tor the movable member. This housing also provides for illuminating the indicator at night and permitting its observation from. the drivers seat. As here shown there is a short cylindrlcal portion 3 above which are disposed two upright spaced apart walls 40 and ll. A glass window or lens 42, plain or frosted, is shown as being fastened between the walls 40 and 4-1 on the side of the instrument which is intended to be remote from the driver. This mostat. which, inthe present construction, is

ill)

lli)

the'same as that of the cooling water. As here shown, thisindicator element is capable ofshowing various conditions of temperature. When the cooling water is at proper operating temperature, (say 180 F.) the central diamond shaped element 47 may be disposed in line with'the slot 44. lVhenever the Water the slot 44; This is brought aboutby the rising and falling of the indicator mechanism, as the'float 38 follows the water level. As long as there is sufiicient water in the upper tank, the device is preferably so arranged that the indicator element remains within the range of the slot 44. If, however,-the water level becomes too low,'or the water disappears from the upper tank, then the float lowers the indicator reaches the bottom of the tubular member 16..

By this time the indicator elements have been withdrawn from V1G\V and h1dden 1n the cylindrical portion 39. The device, cannot then give an observable temperature indication.

Fig. 6 shows a modification. end of the device may be made in any-suitable manner such as, hasheretofore been described in detail. Instead ofthesingle centrally located slit, this indicator is provided with two slits 50 and 51' separated by the narrow strip 52. An indicator element 53 is carried on the upper end of the stem 36 as before described. This indicator clement, however, is in the form of an arcuate or cylin drical strip, preferably metal, which is pro- Vlir. the temperature of the water may be read.

"The device preferablyconstructed in such away that the movable parts are carried sufliciently loose to permit them to be actuated by a. comparatively light weight floatand a com-v paratively small thermostat. In this I way the inertia of the moving system is reduced, and the likelihood of injury asby jamming of the partsis diminished. It will be noted that the movement of the float member islimited by the abutment against thefclosed end 22 of the tube 16 or againstthe end of the tube 38. i In this way any tendency to, bend or b" :kle the thin shaft 36 is avoided,

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the device above described will afford.

convenient indication of theftemperature of the water so that the driver mayv observe the temperature all times, while-"thereis sufficient water for properoperation of the Thiselement 48 may be painted a green mechanism until the heat.

The lower ed with suitable calibrations 54 whereby motor. "The-operatorgets an accurate read.- ing of water temperature, which accurately indicates the operating condition. of the engine, insteadof receivingan indication of the air conditions above the water which is not a reliable indication of the conditions-in the engine. The'operator is also able'to observe and determine at all times the Water level in the radiator at the same. time that he is observing its temperature. 1

In the inst'rmnent as shown in Figures -1 to 5 a'visualindicationis given of water tem- 'perature conditions, that is, the indicator, having the diamond and circular shaped.

members which are brought i-ntoview in the operation of the thermostatic element, simply indicate normal or abnormal temperature conditions. In the form shown in Fig. '6, however, the indicator member is of suchform as to enable the driver to observe at all times thetemporature of thewater in the radiator tank in degrees Fahrenheit. 7 These mstruments sinniltaneouslyindicate the temperature of the water and itsflevel and are so designed thatit is'impossiblie for them to give'a false indication of'either water temperature or water level. The withdrawal of the lndicator elementinto the space below the windows hides itand effectively warnsthe operator of the improperfunctioning of the! cooling system. It gives a definite warning of an unsafe condition. p

A form of indicator such as that disclosed in Figs. l'to 5 wherein the observable parts are ofdiflerent shapes or characters, is'ad vantageous in-that it can be readily seen at night, either'by suitable side lights on a car, or against the reflected light from the searchlights. ,The particular shapes shown are for illustrative purposes only, and are'not to be taken in any way as restrictive.

' It is obvious that my invention may be embodied in many forms and constructions, and

I wish it specifically understood that the particular forms shown and described-are but two of many forms. Various modifications andfchanges being possible, and possibly ad vantageous, I do not limit myself in anyway with respect thereto. l 7

What I claimas new and desire-to secure by Letters Patent, is: I

1. An indicator device for the cooling sys-, tem of an internal combustion-engine, comprising-an element responsive to the temperature and to the level of the'cooling water,-saidlevel indicator and a rotatingtemperature indicator, both of which are simultaneously op-- erable. I 7 I 2. An indicating device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine includelement comprising a vertical reciprocating ing, in combinatioma shaft adaptedfor recip;

rocal. and rotarymoveinent, an indicating ele-f inent carried by said shaft at'theuppergend1 thereof, a float-and a thermally-responsivef 3 I means comprising in dicator for d device supported by and carried underneath said float, said shai't being carried and actuated by said thermally responsive device, and said thermally responsive device being movable with the shaft.

3. An indicator device for the cooling system of an itnernal combustion engine, comprising a shaft adapted for reciprocal and rotary movement and carrying an indicating element at its upper end, a float, a thermally responsive device supported by and carried underneath the iioat, the shaft being carried by the thermally responsive device, and stops liniiil ing the movement of the iloat.

An indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a float, a vertical. shaft, and a thermostat carried by the float, the shaft being carried and actuated by the thermostat and an indicator operable by said shaft.

5. an indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a. float reciprocating vertically in response to the level of the cooling water, a vertical shaft, and a thermostat carried underneath the float, the shaft being supported by the thermostat and revolvable by the same in response to change intemperature and an indicator operable by said shaft.

6. An indicator device for the cooling system oi an internal combustion eno'ine, comp 81;; a frame, a float nounted for reciprocation, and a vertical shaft having a conncction with the float to be moved vertically thereby, said connection including a thermostat eil ective to rotate the shaft upon change of temperature and anindicator operable by said shat't.

7. An indicator device tort-he cooling system of an internal combustion engine, com- ,rising a radiator cap; having a hollow enwater teu'iperature, a housing having a slit extending nearly to the bottom thereof, the

s 'JZLCB below the slit being suliicient to hide the indicator when the water level is below a predetermined level so that temperature in the air space is not indicated.

8. An indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine having clnding a member for lowering the device from view when the water level is below a predetermined level. r V

9. An indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine having iating both temperature and cooling water level, said .Lmeans-including a thermo-responsive element "normally, positioned in the cooling water but sh aiftadapted to be positioned in theair space above the Water when the latter falls below a predetermined level, and means including a float to render the device ineffective for indicating the temperature of the air space above the water by lowering the device from view when the water is below said predetermined level.

10. An indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, coniprising avertical tubular member, an indicatin element mounted therein for longitudinal and angular movement, means to move the element longitudinally in response to liquid level,-and means to move it angularly in rc spouse to liquid temperature.

11. An indicator device "for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a vertical tubular member, an indicating element mountedtherein for longitudinal and angulai novement, means to move the ele ment longitudinally in response to liquid level, means to move it angularly in response to liquid temperature, and means to permit observation of the indicator element during only a part of its longitudinal movement.

12. In an indicating device for the cooling system of internal combustion engines, a radialior cap, a member disposed. axially of said cap and having a tubular thermostat carriedj by the float, means for guiding the float for reciprocation inside said lower end, a shaft carried. by the thermostat and extending above the radiator cap, and fixed stops for the float.

13. In an indicating device for the cooling sy ator cap, a member disposed axially of said cap and havinga tubular lower end, a float, means for guiding the float for reciprocation inside said lower end but restraining rotation thereof, a shaift mounted for relative rotation on the float and extending above the radiator cap, and fixed stops torthe float, one of said stops being in the form of a narrow guidin tube for the shaft. 7 i r Ll. In an indicating device for the cooling s stem of internal combustion engines, a radiator cap, a member disposed axially of said cap and having a tubular lower end, a float, a Y

and extending above the radiator cap, and fixed stops for the float, one of said stops be- 111g in the form of a narrow guiding tubeperlower end, a iloat,a'

stem of internal combustion engines, a radimitting reciprocation and rotation of the '15. in an indicating device for the cooling system of internal combustion engines, a radiator, cap, a member disposed axially of said cap and having tubular lower end, a float, a cross member carried by the float and having 'bifurcated ends, guides embraced by the bifurcations and carried inside said lower end, a thermostat carried underneath the float and comprising a frame adapted to be exposed above a radiator filling cap, a front window, a spaced rear window through which exterior light may pass to the front window, and a reciprocable and revolvable indicating member interposed between the windows, said member serving to indicate both temperature and cooling water level.

17. An indicating device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a frame adapted to be exposed above a radiator filling cap, a front window, a spaced rear window through which exterior light may pass to the front window, a reciprocable and revolvable indicating member interposed between the windows, and means to reciprocate the indicator in response to water level, said indicator revolving responsive to temperature changes in the liquid.

18. An indicating device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine including, in combination, a frame adapted to be exposed above the-radiator filling cap, spaced front and rear windows carried by said frame, an indicating member positioned between said windows, supporting means for mounting said indicating member for rotary and for t-ranslatory movements, temperature-responsive means for operating said indicating memher in one of its movements to effect temperature indication, and means responsive to water level for operating said indicating member in another of its movements to effect water level' indication.

19. An indicating device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a frame adapted to be exposed above a radiator filling cap, a front window, a

spaced rear window, a reciprocable and re volvable indicating member interposed between the windows, meansto reciprocate the indicator in response to water level, and means to rotate the indicator in response to water temperature.

20. An indicating device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a frame adapted to be exposed above a radiator filling cap, a front window, a spaced rear window, an indicating member interposed between the windows,a mount supporting said indicatingmember for translatory and rotary indicating movements and a well or chamber below the windows in which the indicating member may be hidden from view.

An indicating device for the cooling 21. system of an internal. combustion engine, comprising a frame adapted to be exposed above a radiator filling cap, a front window, a spaced rear window, areciprocab-le and revolvable indicating member interposed between the windows, means to reciprocate the indicator in response to water level, means responsive to temperature changes to revolve said indicating member, and a. well or chamber below the windows in which the indicating member may be hidden from view when the water level is below a predetermined level; V

22. In an indicator device for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine, the combination with a radiator cap, of a member disposed axially thereof and having a tubular lower end, a float, a cross member carried by the float and having bifurcated ends, guides carried inside the said lower end, a thermostat carried underneath the float, said float being vertically reciprocable, a shaft connected to said thermostat and extending through said radiator cap, an indicator device at the upper extremity of said shaft, said shaft being rofated by the thermostat, and reciprocated by the movement of the float.

23. In an indicator device for the coo-ling system of an internal combustion engine, the combination with a vertically reciprocable float member, of stops for limiting the movement thereof in a vertical plane, guide members for preventing the angular movement of said float member, a thermostat carried underneath said float member, a shaft attachable to and rotatable by said thermostat, and indieating means at the upper extremity of said shaft, said indicating means being actuated vertically by said float and angularly by said thermostat. f

24. An indicating device for cooling systerns of internal combustion engines includ ing, in combination, an indicator, means for supporting said lndicator for a plurality of independent movements, temperature-responsive means for effecting one movement of said indicator, and means responsive to water level for effecting another movement of said indicator. I

THOMAS VEITCH. 

